MORE than 100 police staff and members of the public were honoured by the man in charge of the force in Kirklees.

Divisional commander Chief Supt John Robins, handed out commendations to 112 people at the Kirklees Divisional Awards at the Galpharm Stadium.

He told them: "Some of the things you have done have been life-changing – changing the lives of your colleagues and life-changing for the people out there.

"I’m incredibly proud of each one of you."

He said crime was down 16% on last year and that equated to 3,000 fewer victims of crime in the district.

"Your professionalism, dedication, success and tenacity are reflected in these awards tonight," he said.

Among the officers honoured by Chief Supt Robins were a team who tackled a man who was allegedly threatening a baby with a knife.

The 20-year-old was arrested on September 15 after being shot with a Taser as he made the threats on Bradley Mills Road in Bradley Mills.

One officer had to be treated for a knife wound after the incident.

Chief Supt Robins said the team had shown bravery and skill in defusing the incident before it became more serious.

The team of detectives and officers who investigated a shooting on Cross Church Street in April 2006 that led to the successful prosecution of three men were also commended. Bradley Okoro, 23, of New Hey Road in Oakes, was found guilty of attempting to murder Sheffield man Damian Munroe last October. He went on the run and has been recently found in a Spanish prison under an assumed name. Moves are under way to bring him back to the UK to serve his sentence.

His accomplices James Collier, now 28, of Stoney Cross Street, Taylor Hill and Carl Hughes, now 32, of Abbey Road, Fartown were found guilty of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, violent disorder and possessing a firearm. They were sentenced to a total of 39 years in prison.

Members of the public who were honoured included 17-year-old Joe Crowther, from New Mill.

He was 16 when he prevented a potentially major incident after his grandfather, 72-year-old George McGrow, collapsed and died at the wheel of the car they were both in on Wakefield Road in Dalton last November.

He steered the accelerating car through traffic for a quarter-of-a-mile before running into railings.

Chief Supt Robins said his quick thinking had potentially saved other lives.

He added: "It is an honour to have members of the public attending the ceremony together with the police.

"I firmly believe that it is the people in Kirklees who improve safety and protect the public – it is those people who I am presenting awards to."